Wednesday 25 April 2012

Keep Calm and Carry On


Last Thursday’s visit to Maidstone went according to plan with the usual long delays of over an hour. My lovely nurse Jan was back from holiday so all was in order. Friday was another hospital visit – this time to St Barts in London. We had a good chat with doctor there and they are now going to communicate with the team at Maidstone. My next appointment at St Barts is at the end of May after my next scan has been done.

We stayed in London overnight. We met up with my brother & partner for a drink and a curry on Friday evening. Excellent food.  It was good to see them again and chat about their recent holiday in Australia.

We came home on Saturday – no retail therapy this time as I was not feeling too good and rather breathless.  

I had another visit to Maidstone Hospital on Tuesday for my 3 weekly review with the Dr in charge of the trial. Only 1 hour and 15 mins delay today. My blood pressure was sky high (I wonder why?) We had a chat and discussed my increasing breathlessness. I am also being referred to the MacMillan nurse team at my local hospice as I am now beginning to get more symptomatic. This will also be good for Alan to have a professional to give advice as and when needed. The Dr thought that things were on a fairly even keel at the moment. I will see him again in 3 weeks after my next scan. In his words ‘Keep Calm & Carry On’.

Today I had a Shiatsu massage at the supportive therapies unit in Canterbury. This was soooo relaxing I was almost dozing off  zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I enjoyed it so much I have booked another 2 sessions. Following this we went for lunch at Michael Caines restaurant at the Abode, Canterbury. We enjoyed their lunchtime ‘Amazing Graze Menu’.  We popped into M&S to pick up a pizza for tea and then headed home – again my breathlessness prevented my usual shopping activities.

The grandies continue to keep us buoyed up. I (and I suspect Alan too) have been taking sneaky peeks of lovely Lilah at her Kinder College. She now has her bottom teeth and is attempting to stand unaided. What a little star she is. Gorgeous Ethan got his first ‘little ducklings’ swimming badge this week! He is the only one in his group of 8 who will jump in the pool from a standing position! Why does this worry me?  I love you both.

Tess x

5 comments:

  1. That is an exhausting set of hospital visits Tess.Glad the delays were not as bad as in the past and that the doctors spend time talking to you. So glad too that you have your beautiful grandchildren to keep you going. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as always.
    Jen x

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  2. Phew Tess, you must have been ready to relax after that whirl of appointments. I'm so glad to hear the massage helped. Its wonderful that you can check in on little Lilah and big congratulations to Ethan, what a brave boy he is! Thinking of you and sending hugs and postive vibes
    Claire xx

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  3. I'm glad you enjoyed your massage and have booked some more. It seems no time at all since Ethan was born - and now he's jumping in the pool Where did all that time go?
    Beryl xx

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  4. Such a lot of travelling Tess but thankfully not as much waiting around. It is good that you are on an even keel.Make good use of the McMillan nurses, I have had dealings with them in the past and they have been a great help. Lovely Ethan and Lilah seem keeping you both amused. You are always in my thoughts and prayers Tess
    Trish xx

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  5. Bernard & Margret26 April 2012 at 06:17

    Great to see that you have been to such enjoyable places. You have such good ideas.
    As one of the 'Guitar Gentlemen ' I , Bernard , can say that it was a very pleasant kiss and a hug with you ,Tess, at the Enfield Guitar Soc. meeting. A smashing surprise to see you both.
    Crumbs, Michael Caine's restaurant !

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